Key dates
Applications for 2025-26 will open on Friday 30 May and close at midnight on Monday 30 June 2025.
Applicants will be notified the outcome of their application by the end of October 2025.
There are a number of free community training sessions offered by Knox City Council to help support groups to learn about the Community Development Fund grant program, the application criteria and how to successfully apply and acquit a grant.
- Session 1: Thursday 29 May, 7pm – 9pm (online)
- Session 2: Thursday 12 June, 7pm – 9pm (online)
To book in, visit our Community training page.
Available grants
There are grants available in seven categories:
Active Ageing – up to $5,000
For activities, programs or projects that promote social connection, health and wellbeing, volunteer engagement for positive ageing in Knox.
Community Strengthening – up to $15,000
Projects or programs that strengthen Knox community through the support of a diverse range of activities, services and programs that are responsive to community need and significantly benefit the Knox community.
Cultural Celebrations & Events – up to $3,000
For projects, programs or events that increase awareness and understanding of diverse cultures and religions within the community and enhance social inclusion and participation for all residents of Knox.
Active Communities – up to $5,000
To assist with capacity building of sport and leisure clubs to deliver programs/projects that promote club wellbeing, diversity, inclusion, gender equity, volunteer engagement and retention.
Arts & Culture – up to $15,000
To assist not-for-profit community organisations with the delivery of Community Festivals, Events & Creative Activities.
Small Equipment Grants – up to $5,000
To assist not-for-profit organisations with small, essential equipment purchases that enhance the sustainability of the organisation.
Applications will need to show a level of co-contribution for equipment only grants, with a minimum of 10% of equipment costs to be funded by the applicant.
Environment & Sustainability – up to $5,000
To assist not-for-profit community organisations with projects or purchases that support the natural environment and sustainability or supports capacity building or participation numbers of an environmental group.
Eligibility
There is specific criteria for CDF grant applications:
Examples of funded projects
Past Community Development Funded projects include:
- Approved CDF Projects 2024 to 2025
- Approved CDF Projects 2023 to 2024
- Approved CDF Projects 2022 to 2023
You can also watch stories of previous funded projects.
Applying for a CDF grant
There are several steps involved in the process:
If your application is unsuccessful
After the October Council meeting, an email will be sent to the contact person for each unsuccessful application notifying them of the outcome.
The decision of Council is final, however groups are encouraged to seek feedback by contacting the Community Partnerships team and make further applications in the future.
Your privacy
As part of the Information Privacy Act Statement of Consent, Council collects information from CDF Grants applicants for the purpose of registering and administering grant applications for the specified funding period.
The information may also be used to send you information and to ascertain satisfaction with our services. The information will not be disclosed except as required by law. In particular, the information will not be disclosed to others for marketing purposes.
Learn about other grants
Council runs information sessions for community groups to learn about different funding options. Contact the Community Partnerships Team for session schedules and help with finding out which grant best suits your organisation, group or club needs.
More information
You may find the following information and templates useful:
- Communty Grants Guidelines [PDF 566kb]
- Council's Grant Framework Policy [PDF 268kb]
- Grants Lingo @ Knox - guide to grants terminology
- SmartyGrants guide for applicants
Need help?
Email [email protected] and we will get back to you.
We aim respond to enquiries about Council grants within 3 business days.
Or call the Community Partnerships Team on 9298 8000.